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Bill Clinton: 'New era of progressive politics'

PITTSBURGH - Former President Bill Clinton told an audience of liberal online activists Thursday evening that the nation has “entered a new era of progressive politics” that could last for decades if Democrats can pass ambitious measures such as health care reform and climate change.

In a nearly hour-long keynote address to the fourth annual Netroots Nation convention in Pittsburgh, a gathering of roughly 1,500 progressive bloggers and activists, Clinton said the nation—and public opinion—has dramatically changed in the 16 years since he took office. But he noted that President Barack Obama and the Democratic-controlled Congress needed the support of the online community to achieve their agenda.

Clinton warned against the dangers of failing to compromise on some elements of health care reform, calling for agreement on a plan that includes a handful of elements that have widespread public support and perhaps conceding on those that have little support among voters.

“I want us to be mindful we may need to take less than a full loaf,” he said. “We can’t be in the peanut gallery. We have to be actors. We can’t ask the President to go it alone. We can’t ask Congress to go it alone."

Clinton had a similar message on climate change legislation.

“The President stuck his neck out here and the Congress stuck its neck out,” he said, “but we have to have a bill.”

Clinton, who has met several times over the past year with bloggers to discuss a range of topics, told the audience that he is an avid reader of blogs who supplements his research with material gleaned from them.

“I read a lot of your blogs on health care,” he said.

The speech, which was otherwise warmly received, was interrupted several times by shouts from the audience referring to his administration’s sanctioning of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy regarding gays in the military and the former president’s signing of the “Defense of Marriage Act.”

Clinton responded with an impassioned defense of his actions and expressed regret.

“Nobody regrets how this was implemented any more than I do,” he said. “I hated what happened.”

Readers' Comments (165)

No..we need to stand against government control of our health care. Look who is speaking here...Clinton was Impeached for having adulterous sex in our White House. Who is leading our country? Who do you want your children to follow? Listen to what these people are saying look at what they have done, make your own judgements. It's time for us to become involved in finding out what is going on in our Government. Who is supporting this health bill? What does it really mean for you...have you read it or are waiting for someone to tell you? Who supports the bill...why are they supporting it? What do they have to gain?

If the people decide if this bill is right for them then so be it...but they must know and understand what this health bill is about.

We are too busy to get into the details of our Government, we trust our elected officials to make the right decisions. Right now we have to pay attention, this health bill has serious implications that we really need to understand.

I do not appreciate the fact that the Government has tried to push this through as fast as possible. They tried to pass this before we understood what was going on...that scares me! What are they trying to hide..where is thr transperency that Obama talked about during his campaign?

With the help of upcoming IT system, the concern of a long waiting list probably doesn't matter. And now that docs are liable for patient's outcome, no intervention in the final decision is allowed other than 'recommendations' for best practices.

In the government-run, single-payer Medicare program, enrollees choose their own doctors, receive care in a timely manner. Similarly, the public option can be viewed as extension of medicare, exactly speaking, an upgraded version of it.

2. Saving & low Quality :

Most part of savings is made up of weeding out such wastes as so called "doughnut hole" , the unnecessary subsidies for insurers, the duplicate tests and unproven sham level of treatments, abuse, exorbitant costs by the tragic ER visits and so forth. As president Obama noted, the analogy of insulation, weatherization would be appropriate.

With that in mind nearly two-thirds of the cost of reform will come from reallocating money, overall, the financial architecture is looking good.

And let me stress : If you are a physician, and your pay is dependant upon your patient's outcome, you will most likely strive to prescribe the best medicine available earlier in the process, let alone skimming the wasteful, unnecessary, and risk-carrying procedures.

3. Take-over ;

The runaway premium similar to the peak fuel price last year and left so many folks in despair insists on staying the course with the attitude 'unchanged', clearly this trend could bankrupt individual, business, and government. Now the government subsequently is tasked with these two main assignments, first, to address premium inflation, second, to expand coverage to all in urgent need.

In order to cover all and not to add to the deficit, the public option can not set the same rates of private market, rather, it needs to have BALANCING function to keep it in check in terms of INFLATION, too. Unfortunately, this 'unavoidable' direction is aggressively being accused by the runaway premium, citing government 'take-over' .

Under the circumstances the energy bill to determine human future and the other major issues are presently piled up, who wants to waste time making enemies ?, which also does not benefit the forthcoming election.

with the heartbreaking tears in mind (Nearly 11 Million Cancer Patients Without Health Insurance), private market also needs changes and should join together to complete this reform , as promised, otherwise, the runaway premium only has itself to blame while new firms are filling the void with competitive deals. And It can be said that fair competition starts with a fair, sustainable market value.

However, Job-based coverage (indirect payment) and a limitation code over transfer, mandate code, and ample capital, reduced ER costs, IT base to streamline the administrative processes and trim costs might be favorable to the private market. Over time, supposedly, the public plan will concentrate more on basic, primary cares, and the private insurers will provide their clients with differentiated services.

4. Tax rise :

In the context the current health care wastes an estimated one-third – or about $700 billion – on unnecessary procedures, unnecessary visits to the doctor, overpriced pharmaceuticals, bloated insurance companies, and the most inefficient paper billing systems imaginable, health care reformers have often cited the system at Mayo Clinic as a model.

In modernized society, the business lacking IT system is unthinkable just like pre-electricity period, nevertheless, the last thing to expect is happening now in the sector requiring the most accuracy in respect to dealing with human lives. Apparently the errors by no e-medical records have spawned the crushing lawsuits, and these costs have led to the unnecessary tests, treatments, even further, more profits so far.

Thankfully, the pay for 'outcome' pack modeled after the system at Mayo Clinic is most likely to expedite the introduction of IT system, and the combined system is capable of shifting volume into quality in Medicare & Medicaid, thereby offsetting the 239 billions of estimated deficit, which is generated by $245 billions, the 10-year cost of adjusting Medicare reimbursement rates so physicians don’t face big annual pay cuts.

Supporters of the agreement say it could save the Medicare System more than $100 billion a year and 'improve' care, supposedly even a quarter of it might be enough to meet the goal of revenue-neutral. Moreover, in case this innovative idea applies to the public option, presumably it can lower the overall expense sharply, too.

And in respect to preventative program, surprisingly enough, the system today is designed around treating patients once they become sick, following 'spillover' and 'levee breach' , as too high level of preventable chronic disease accounts for it. By contrast, all of the excellent health systems seem to have one feature in common, an expansive, systematic preventative program demanding immense investments.

Some say the effect of preventative program is below zero compared with investments, or takes a long time even beyond next decade window, but if this program in the exemplary systems is disorganized, the odds are high that they will also face the same pressing need for reform in a few years. Like common sense, fire needs to prevent in advance or foil in early phase, and it would be the most cost-saving measure, in my mind.

Just like marriage, economy also undergoes up and down, however, economic downturn is not reflected in the employment-based system. The rising mental stress & 'keep eating habit' , which are the epicenter of a number of different diseases, might be traced to this insecure system and exorbitant premiums. Once the health care reform provides the general public with peace of mind, the rising mental stress, obesity caused by the the deep-seated apprehension and exorbitant premiums may bend the curve surprisingly. And reducing the tragic ER visits can lessen costs for the already insured, what's more, the balancing function of public option could mitigate fast-rising premiums.

I guess If the cost of the reform is an issue Americans take seriously, then all of the 'free' nations in the world should withdraw the existing public policy. Instead, it might be the 'will' of reform to end disgrace. Here is the hope, while the runaway premium wound up in the collapse of middle class ranging ' from finance to mental health' , alongside the peak fuel price and fast-growing mortgage rate, this time, clearly, the positive impacts involving massive job creation, promising stem cell research, several times more economic effects of 'from bed to work' , in return, will lead to economic recovery.

If he does, he should know that these bloggers are simply unable to defend the cr*ppy bill and Obama's performance that is even cr*ppier than the bill. Besides, We The People have spoken in no uncertain terms that they do not want what Obama is trying to sell them.

Hey Bill, why don't you pay back the government all the money it cost to impeach you, if you would of just said yes i had relations with Monica.. it would of saved the government how much? Yes it should of never been asked but you should not of lied. Oh and did anyone ever thank you for influencing our young children that ******** is not sex and it's ok.

The health bill debate is not about Democrats, Republicans or Obama...It's about the future of who decides how you receive health care. Let's face it...if we are lucky...all of us will get old someday. Who do you want to decide your fate? The government or you and your family? If you need treatment for Cancer or some other disease...who do you want to decide what treatment you get? ...the government or you? The Government will make their decision based on rules... you will make decisions based on personal choices. Those personal choices are guaranteed by our constitution...now the Government is suggesting that they will make life and death choices based on priority and rules...this goes against our personal freedoms given to us by the constitution.

With the help of upcoming IT system, the concern of a long waiting list probably doesn't matter.

Of course it does. When the number of patients goes up and the number of doctors doesn't, there is no IT System in the world that would prevent or shorten waiting lists.

hsr0601: Aug. 14, 2009 - 1:12 AM EST

As president Obama noted, the analogy of insulation, weatherization would be appropriate.

Obama's prevention programs will cost a lot more than just treating people. When 48 Mil uninsured are sent into "Prevention" tent, a lot of tests and procedures will need to be run in order to determine what needs to be prevented.

hsr0601: Aug. 14, 2009 - 1:12 AM EST

Thankfully, the pay for 'outcome' pack modeled after the system at Mayo Clinic is most likely to expedite the introduction of IT system,

What does the "pay for outcome" mean? Who determines outcome? What outcome do you personally expect in patients with diabetis or Aides? Will this outcome be different from the today's outcome?

The Republican thugs don't want any civil discussion to take place. They lost the election in 2008 and still don't understand it. Those making noise at town halls are white people without diversity like the Republican convention and did not vote for Obama. Period. Democrat lawmakers should not make the mistake of listening to these Republican hooligans because the silent majority is on board the reform.

FINALLY the END of the EVIL USELESS GOP is in SIGHT as AMERICA MOVES FORWARD.. EVERY DAY THOUSANDS MORE OLD GOPS DIE and GO TO GREET THE WORMS and MAGGOTS and AMERICA and the ENTIRE WORLD REJOICES ,, as the EARTH SWALLOWS their EVIL stinking CARCASSES and MOVES the OLD EVIL GOP closer to its coming EXTINCTION..

Dude or Dudette,

You are seriously unhinged. This is hate-mongering at it's finest. A glorious display of your "intelligence" and "right-minded thinking". You are on the road to personal destruction if you really believe this crap.

The truth is...

This country needs both liberals and conservatives. We're gone off the track a number of ways and one of them is this sort of filth spewed at people we don't agree with but have to live with in this country. Conservatives tend to think government is not the answer to everything and the freedom is one of our most cherished values. They prefer a hands-off approach that encourages ingenuity and problem solving among the public. Liberal thinking (at least in the past) has focused on individual rights, protection of minorities, freedom of speech, equality.

Both sides are important, and both sides represent the best America can be. Admittedly, we don't always live up to this ideal, but your kind of hatred spells doom for this country.

I think President and Congress should go back to the drafting board and work until they get this bill right.

Yea right and come back with a bill when? Doesn't make a difference with you does it? Even if they go back to the drawing board, you will still find something to complain about.

Like Bill rightfully said, Obama should ram something with a strong public option through ASAP. Americans are sick of Obama looking to compromise on everything. The rethugs will never vote for him even if he turns the economy around. The man is too polarizing for his own good.

Ram the bill through and watch your base continue to grow once the full effects of the public option kicks in. Cost will fall drastically and everyone and their mother will be able to afford quality insurance.

Regarding these stupid polls, why don't they just poll independents who voted republican in 2004 and voted for Obama in 2008. Those are the real independents. Not the fake independents in name only that have already made up their minds based on stubborn ideologies.

New Deal-Fair Deal--1930s-40s (Truman was a continuation of the New Deal, but got relatively few reforms passed.

New Frontier-Great Society--1960s (Nixon is ambiguous here, since he was a moderate Republican in many ways, who did not try abolish the New Deal or Great Society, and even added some reforms of his own. I wouldn't call him a "liberal", of course.)

Obama Era--A Second Progressive Era? Will it also be a double reform wave, continuing past 2016?

The conservative era are in between these reform cycles--and it takes 30-40 years for a complete cycle.

I do not know why US history works this way, but it does--alternating cycles of reform and conservatism. Arthur Schlesinger, Sr and his son, thought it was due to generational shifts and demographics, although only in recent times have we been able to measure these changes with any accuracy.

This is why I know that Obama will win in 2012 and this decade will not be a conservative one, no matter what the polls of the moment show. Those can change from day to day. Historians think in larger terms than next Tuesday's poll.

Hey Bill, why don't you pay back the government all the money it cost to impeach you, if you would of just said yes i had relations with Monica.. it would of saved the government how much? Yes it should of never been asked but you should not of lied. Oh and did anyone ever thank you for influencing our young children that ******** is not sex and it's ok.

Actually, I was thinking that Newt ould pay back the money since he all were calling for Clinton to resign all the while he was having an affair himself! 3rd times the charm, hey, Newt?

And if we are in a Second Progressive Era, it could be a double reform wave that will last past 2016. There might be a relatively brief conservative era in the 2020s, followed by another reform wave in the 2030-40s.

If that happens, this could well be a reform era that lasts decades, with only brief interruptions of conservatism, lasting well into this century.

If history is any guide, all hell will break lose in the 2060s, as it did in the 1760s, 1860s, and 1960s. I don't know what it is about the sixth decade of every century in American history, but something is sure going on.

I really need to thank Slick Willy Bubba for showing me the way. I was a Democrat of 27 years when I voted for this old sleaze bag. After a series of stupid moves on his part, I saw the light and changed my Party. I wouldn't vote for another LIBERAL if they handed me a stack of bills 10 feet high. I love my country too much to see it destroyed by these parasites. Once they get in office they are there, feeding off the government teat, for a lifetime of corruption and deceit. No thanks!

30 or 40 years of this. Oh please God forbid. Seven months has been long enough.

Good job in North Korea but put a lid on it now.

I told you how it will be possible to have 30-40 years of progressive reform. History shows that it's possible.

After all, we progressives had to endure 30 years of conservatism, and not it's our turn. We have waited a long time and we will not be denied. We can't give up our chance. We can't, no matter what happens.

Fortunately, I've never met any Republicans who understand the cycles of US history, so they have no idea what's really happening.